The Girl's Guide
Issue 77: Are You a Planner?
Welcome back to The Girl’s Guide! If you missed the most recent issue, find it here.
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Interview with Logan Lowe
For my first interview of 2023, I want to introduce you to my friend Logan Lowe! Logan is the founder of the newly launched Abide Paper Company — a paper company with a purpose. Look inside Abide’s unique planners here. And don’t forget to follow Abide on Instagram and Facebook!
What neighborhood do you live in?
My husband and I live in Capitol Hill right across from a cute park and just a few blocks from the Capitol and Navy Yard. We love being able to walk to our favorite restaurants, our church, and Trader Joe’s.
What does your life look like right now?
A few months ago, I left my job on Capitol Hill and started a business, Abide Paper Company. It has been quite the change going from foreign policy work and prior to that, humanitarian assistance work, to running my own business. I love how flexible my schedule is these days. It’s nice to only have one phone and not have to be reachable 24/7. I loved my job and co-workers but was ready for a new challenge.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned while living and working in DC?
Everything is “figureoutable.” This is the title of a book by Marie Forleo. I don’t remember much from the book, but I love the phrase. The process may not look exactly how you expect it to, but there is always a way. DC is a small town. The longer you are here, the smaller it gets. It may seem cut-throat to some, but it isn’t always that way! People like to help each other and that’s often how you build relationships and accomplish things you never thought possible.
Do you have a favorite DC hangout?
My favorite coffee shop is St. Elmo’s in Del Ray. Around the holidays, the neighborhood looks like it is straight out of a Hallmark movie. If my husband and I ever move out of DC, we will really miss the food. Our favorite restaurants are La Casina in Eastern Market and Lapis and Osteria al Volo in Adams Morgan.
What inspired you to start Abide Paper Company?
I had more than one passion. For eight years, I had been on one career path. I loved the work, but also wanted to do more. At Abide, we get to create products that help people align the way they spend their time with God’s purpose and calling for their life. I also want my work to serve vulnerable communities around the world and I think there are many ways to do this. Who says you can only pursue one dream or have one career path?
I used to live in Cambodia working with the NGO that is now Abide’s partner organization. They work to prevent human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and child labor, while seeking to create better opportunities for families. Each year, forty percent of Abide’s profit goes to support the work of our partner organization in Cambodia. It is one of my greatest joys to hear stories from customers about how our products have helped them or how much they love and support our mission. Without them, none of this would be possible.
What's your advice to other women who are thinking of starting a business?
I would recommend speaking with others who have started a business to learn about their experience. Not only will you learn so much, but they will likely become some of your biggest supporters throughout the process. The process is not fun or easy, so having a solid support system is so important. Everything you need to know logistically about starting a business can be found online. From registering your business to finding a manufacturer to learning how to create a product, it’s all there.
I am not a graphic designer. I spent hours watching videos online learning how to use Adobe InDesign to create the 2023 planner. Starting a business is not a quick or easy process, but it is very fulfilling to create something from scratch and watch it grow, especially if it has a mission you believe in.
The Haps
Emily in Paris Set For Fourth Season
I know this may surprise you all, but I am not an Emily in Paris enjoyer. I have never watched the show, but I do enjoy seeing the online reaction to all of Emily’s kooky outfits. If you want an alternative show to watch that still has that French je ne sais quoi, might I recommend The Ultimatum: France, another Netflix production? Six uber-French couples determine whether they’ll get engaged or break up after spending time apart. W Magazine also has this roundup of shows to watch if you enjoyed the latest season of Emily in Paris.
Pupatella Pizza Expands in NoVa
If you live in Arlington, the chances are high that you have had a delicious slice of Pupatella Pizza. But did you know that Pupatella’s famous Neapolitan pie is certified authentic by a special Italian organization? No, I’m not talking about the Mafia. Learn about Pupatella’s authentic pizza and its new Leesburg location, which I hope to visit soon, in this story in The Loudoun Times-Mirror.
Is Carole Baskin’s Husband Alive?
Y’all remember Tiger King? Remember how Joe Exotic went on and on about how Carole Baskin allegedly fed her first husband Don Lewis to her tigers? Well, Lewis may not even be dead. The crazy cat lady is back in the news for claiming that the Department of Homeland Security determined Lewis is, in fact, alive in Costa Rica. Carole previously said he was believed to have crashed his plane. Read the story on OutKick here.
Bulletin Board
Congrats to RYAN and MCKENNA NEUHAUS, who welcomed JACKSON JAMES NEUHAUS on Jan. 15! Jackson joins big sisters Raeleigh and Lila.
Ask Evie
Have a question you want me to answer in the newsletter? Click this link to send your question anonymously! You can read my most recent Ask Evie column about friendship here.
